Dixie College board drops nickname, mascot

Dixie State College Board of Trustees members retired the school's former Rebel nickname and mascot Friday morning after a 5-4 vote.

Following an update on the college by president Stephen D. Nadauld and the introduction of student body present-elect, Dewey Denning, board members delved into their first action item on the agenda, the Dixie Rebel nickname and mascot.

"There have been some matters of advice that probably suggest that it would be wise that we just go ahead and vote," said Trustees chairman Shandon Gubler. "You can change that direction if you want, but it would probably be the wise thing to do."

Community members and students helped choose a new nickname and mascot, which was then approved by the Board of Trustees. Their vote led to hundreds of upset students and alumni announcing their disapproval to the Board during the Feb. 9 meeting approving DSC's new Red Storm nickname and bull mascot.

After talking to students, Board members decided to continue discussion on the issue. On Friday, some were still hesitant to move forward with a decision.

Board member Bill Ronnow made the motion to retire the Rebel name and mascot and "any and all items associated with the Confederate symbol."